Man jailed after return to terrify his ex-partner

A 37-year-old man who was warned to stay away from his ex-partner, pending sentencing next month for harassment, was put into jail yesterday because he returned to the scene of the crime, terrifying her again.

Leslie Murphy, with addresses at Nohoval, Co Cork, and Tubrid, Minane Bridge, pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to harassing Elaine Lovell and trespassing at her home at Waterlands, Kinsale, to commit assault causing harm.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin considered remanding Murphy in custody last week for sentencing in June. However, following a submission that the accused could lose his job if remanded in custody for that period, and that employment was a steadying influence in Murphy’s life, the judge agreed to grant him bail.